28th June 1914. Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, is assassinated in Sarajevo by Gustavo Princip. One month later, Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia. Within days, Europe is at war. The bloodiest war to date, with an estimated nine million soldiers killed over the course of the four year conflict. But what happened in the month between the assassination and the outbreak of war?

The month between the assassination and the outbreak of war is the focus of July Crisis. The book looks at the decision making by the key actors across the Great Powers as Europe drifts towards war. As war gets closer, the chapters cover shorter periods of time as relations become more strained and discussions become more desperate.

July Crisis is an excellent study of the the July Crisis and very readable. It’s an outstanding and accessible book.